Dosage Calculations: How to know which syringe to use?

[Papi15437]

I am having trouble with dosage calculations and knowing which syringe to use when I'm solving a problem. I know the math part of the problem, but I always get stuck when they ask which syringe I should use. My classmates are also confused because we haven't been taught this material yet.

What are the types/names of syringes and how do I know which one to use? Can someone provide a sample problem with the solution? Thanks!

[CseMgr1, ASN, RN]

Here is one example:

Dr. Jones orders 4,500 units of Heparin sq.

You have on hand: Heparin 10,000 units/cc.

10,000 units : 1cc :: 4,500 units : x cc.

10,000x = 4,500

x= 4,500 /10,000

x= 0.45 cc.

This would be given in a Tuberculin syringe, which is graduated in tenths of a cc.

[hypocaffeinemia, BSN, RN]

You simply use the most accurate syringe for the dosage needed. Syringes are typically 1, 3, 5 (sometimes 6...), 10 (sometimes 12 depending on the line your facility carries), and 20 mL for most injections. If you need to give 3.5 mL, you would pick the 5 mL syringe for example.

[AprilRNhere]

...unless they mention central line- at which point you always use 10 or larger.

[hypocaffeinemia, BSN, RN]

...unless they mention central line- at which point you always use 10 or larger.

I was going to mention that, but if they're just learning the basics of calculation, I doubt such practical subtleties would do more than confuse.

[ufblondi]

If it's an IM injection, you don't use a 1ml syringe because you have to aspirate.

Also, I was taught to never give more than 3ml at at time, so if you were giving a 3.5ml injection you would have to give 2 seperate injections.

[Papi15437]

Thank you so much

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

see the information and weblinks on this sticky thread:

• https://allnurses.com/forums/f205/any-good-iv-therapy-nursing-procedure-web-sites-127657.html - any good iv therapy or nursing procedure web sites